Although there are a number of antigens on the surface
of the staphylococcal cells, it is difficult to serologically type the
cells. Instead phage typing is used. These are the hardiest of the non-sporeforming
bacteria.

PATHOLOGY:

Most adults are continuously exposed to S. aureus
but overt infection occurs in 1 of 20 people each year. Predisposing factors
include:

The clinical manifestations of the skin may vary
from a small pimple to a large furuncle or carbuncle (a deeply situated
infection producing multiple adjacent draining skin sinuses) with rapid
destruction of skin. Definitive diagnosis is by isolation of the organism
from the site of infection or by demonstration of antibodies against staphylococcal
teichoic acid antigens via simple agar gel diffusion or counterimmunoelectrophoresis
(CIE). The hallmark of the disease is pus formation.